It is because of this, I try to get the word out on any games for youngsters that cross my path.

So with that in mind, I have compiled a list of recently released games to help parents some options for their children.

Some are geared towards education, while others are just for fun, but I think all warrant consideration. Especially with the holiday season approaching.

Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover!

My daughter L.O.V.E.S. Grover. While she is too young to play video games, her jaw dropped, and the rest of the world ceased to exist as I played this game for her enjoyment.

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Available on Wii and Nintendo DS, the game focuses on interaction with young users, while employing physical activity, good nutrition and other theme’s the Sesame Street brand has become famous for.

Not exactly the most complex of games, so older kids will probably bore quickly, but a great intro game for younger children.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster
Along the same lines as Ready, Set, Grover, but a little different, Once Upon a Monster is exclusive to the Xbox 360 kinect. It is a little more complex, but still simple enough for young children.

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After introducing Cookie Monster and Elmo as the main characters, the game uses hands-free play set in a story book to teach many of the same themes set forth in Ready Set Grover that are expected from Sesame Street.

Children can play alone, or others (parents, guardians, etc.) can join in.

The graphics are great, and the age group the game is targeted at will be delighted with the quality of game play and the the realistic features of their favorite characters.

Disney Universe

Oh my goodness there is a lot going on in this game. I don’t know how to describe it other than just a bunch of good, clean, fun.

Nothing wrong with that.

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As you can tell by the video, the concept is to suit up in costumes and take on challenges in a variety of Disney environments inspired by the Disney hits Wall-E, Monsters Inc., Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King and Aladdin.

I feel this game is good offering some of the action that younger gamers look for in more mature games. In other words, I think it could get their attention.

Up to four players can play at once. Also, users will be have access to additional downloadable content online.

Angry Birds, the board game

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Ok, not exactly a video game, but considering it is derived from the popular online game AND for kids, I thought it might add some variety.

Developed by Mattel toys and recommended for ages 5+, the game offers kids a chance to experience their own version of the game they’ve probably heard adults talk about.

I Spy Castle and The Magic School Bus, Oceans

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, The Magic School Bus brand has a long reputation of developing material advancing the education of our youth and personally speaking, it is nice to see them represented in the video game market.

Not all the games are focused on education, which gives a nice balance. I only played for a bit, but I think they are both perfect for the platform they are offered on (Nintendo DS).

As a parent, I could certainly envision having my child devote some “brain time” to this game on the way to or from school.

Some of the highlights for each according to Scholastic.

Magic School Bus Oceans:

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Players step into the drivers’ seat of the Magic Bus as they unlock six levels of the ocean.

Seven games with just under 200 ocean interactions allow players to learn key science concepts.

Discover over 100 facts and sea animals.

I Spy Castle:

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36 I Spy Ridles set against 12 photo-realistic castles scenes.

12 mini-games hidden among I Spy ridles.

Play puzzles to unlock additional content.

Hint feature assists players in solving riddles and finding objects.

Looking for more games for kids? Coming up next will be the annual holiday gift guide which will have several additional options.

A&E reporter John Wenzel has covered a variety of topics for The Denver Post over the years, including video games, comedy, music and the fine arts. He's been playing and loving video games since his dad brought home a sweet ColecoVision in 1983. Catch him on PSN as beardsandgum.

Hugh got his start writing for the Cheyenne and Woodmen Edition newspapers in Colorado Springs. In 2011 he moved to Denver where he has written for Denver Urban Spectrum and Colorado Community Media’s Wheat Ridge Transcript. Hugh joined The Denver Post in 2014 as an editorial assistant.

Bryan Moore joined The Denver Post sports department in 1997 and has worked in many phases of producing the daily sports section ever since, specifically focusing on coverage of the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and college football and basketball.